Monday, November 16, 2015

Wooden Crate Gift Box

While shopping one day, my eye caught a large display of wooden crates. I immediately thought they would make cute gift boxes, only they would have to be a lot smaller. I went to work right away and created this little crate.I left mine plain so you could see what the finished crate looked like without décor, but you could decorate the side of your crate with flowers or seasonal décor. It can be made in any color you like. I made one in pink the first time I assembled it. I think a white one with light blue sparkly snowflakes would be adorable, maybe with the makings of hot cocoa inside. This crate is amazingly sturdy and it can hold a heavier gift very easily without buckling. I have a luminary Mason jar and a box of tea for the fall season.

I’ve seen the luminary Mason jars on several different web sites and knew it would be perfect for my basket, and since I have a Pazzles Inspiration Vue, I knew I could make one myself for pennies. I made the leaf tea light luminary by cutting out a leaf, using Pazzles vinyl, and then applying it to the outside of the jar. I turned the jar upside down so paint would not get on the inside of the jar, then I painted the outside of the jar using left over spray paint. I let it dry then peeled off the vinyl leaf. I added some coffee (coffee beans would have been better, but I didn’t have any on hand) to the bottom of it and then inserted a battery-powered tea light. I tied some raffia to the top and voila; an instant, inexpensive home décor gift. This can also be made to suit your needs. Maybe a Christmas tree or a heart instead of a leaf. You could use jute instead of raffia and add some wooden hearts or jingle bells to the end of the ties. Really anything goes when you have the versatility of this amazing machine!The cutting file and complete directions are below. I hope you enjoy making this versatile crate and that it brings a smile to whomever you give it to. You can find the pattern and instructions here.